Carbondale police officer Santiago receives award

On April 7, a Carbondale Police officer received an “award of excellence” from River Bridge Regional Center, a Glenwood Springs-based nonprofit dedicated to child advocacy.

“In 2013, Nino Santiago thoroughly investigated and assisted in the successful prosecution of a child sexual abuse perpetrator. Because of his efforts, two young abuse survivors were able to be heard and believed,” River Bridge wrote in a public letter.

Santiago played a major role in the arrest and conviction of Gustavo Flores-Rosario, who earlier this year was sentenced to seven years to life for molesting child younger than 15.

“We are so grateful to have Nino on our team in the fight against child abuse, and honored to call him friend,” the letter concluded.

The organization, which has operated in Garfield County since 2007, said it intends to make the award an annual event as part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Crime Victims Rights Week.